Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims 'I'm the daddy' in swipe at Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas

Mourinho believes that the two should work out their issues themselves rather than expose it to the public

Jose Mourinho defended his decision to alter the style of play by the Chelsea team in recent years (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes when two parties have an issue, they should work to resolve it between themselves.

When Chelsea play at Tottenham today, Mourinho for the first time crosses swords with Andre Villas-Boas - once his protege, now his rival after the breakdown of a relationship.

Mourinho refused to discuss the relationship with his fellow Portuguese ahead of the White Hart Lane clash, a day after Villas-Boas openly discussed it although without going into full detail of the circumstances of the fallout.

Asked if issues should be discussed face to face, Mourinho said: "Normally that's what should happen. My parents taught me that when I was a kid and we say the same to our kids: if you have a problem in school, if you have a problem with somebody, try to resolve it yourself. Don't come home to ask us.

"If you cannot do it by yourself, you need to ask other people to support you.

"I'm the dad of the dressing room and I don't want things coming to the dad all the time. Things should be resolved between brothers."

One player who could be in Chelsea's squad, yet was so nearly in the Tottenham ranks, is Willian.

The Brazil winger joined the Blues from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, completing the deal despite successfully undergoing a medical at Spurs.

Asked what he did to persuade Willian to opt for Stamford Bridge, Mourinho played down his role, before stressing his belief that Chelsea's long-term courtship of the Brazilian was the decisive factor.

"I did nothing," Mourinho said.

"Chelsea were trying to get him for two years and Willian always felt very connected with that move and he was frustrated when that move couldn't happen.

"Then the situation came where he could come, and Chelsea were happy.

"I was just asked about the quality of the player and if I'd like to have him with me, and of course I said yes."

PA

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